Chromecast?

dan88911 · 12-21-2013, 03:35 PM

Anyone using Chromecast.
Googles, wireless streaming dongle which allows you to "cast"- movies, TV shows videos and music from Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus (whatever the hell that is), HBO.

If so do you give it two thumbs Up?

wdfifteen · wdfifteen's Garage

Cast them to where? I'm not familiar with it. Sounds like a way to steal content, from what you've posted.

dan88911 · 12-21-2013, 05:11 PM

Oh I am sorry you plug this unit into a high-definition TV. It cost $35 dollars.

jtfreels · 12-21-2013, 05:20 PM

It works as advertised, nothing yet allows you to cast from your own media. Netflix, you tube work fine, casting from iPhone/iPad.

Jay

Schumi · 09:27 PM

I have it, and use it for streaming youtube videos to my TV. I have a Roku I use for netflix- it's easier to use a remote interface still for browsing Netflix I think.

But I stream a lot of youtube, random documentaries and such; it works OK for that. I also like using it to stream soundcloud webpages to my stereo- I just turn the TV's picture off to save energy, and leave my stereo on, and push a Soundcloud tab to the Chromecast while I'm working.

I have noted it is buggy as hell though. Many times I have to refresh youtube pages to get the chromecast icon to appear. Sometimes I hit the button and nothing happens, it hangs.

I feel like the device itself is far, far more powerful than the apps running on it. From what I understand it is a full fledged Android computer, that could be used as a standalone computer if it was unlocked.

They day they allow it it to take local media & desktop apps and stream/decode device-side... it goes from being a novel little toy to a killer-f*cking-platform

osidak · 12-22-2013, 04:40 AM

using chrome on your PC also allows you cast your entire desktop - from there you can put anything up on your TV. I have two of them and most places are currently selling them for $29

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

If you have a plethora of apple devices in your house, it would be worth looking into the Apple TV as well. Offers manny of the same services and screen sharing of apple devices. Unlike the chrome cast, the Apple TV is pretty stable. I've been really happy with ours.

osidak · 12-22-2013, 06:53 AM

i have had zero issues with stability using chromecast -

dan88911 · 12-22-2013, 12:11 PM

Hey thanks guys. I am not as tech savvy as I would like to be. Does this device come with all the necessary instructions?

osidak · 12-22-2013, 12:21 PM

very simple device

(yes it comes with directions)

Plug it into a tv hdmi port and power it via USB or the provided wall wart

Download the chromecast app to your PC or android device. Have wireless on and the app will find your chromecast. Follow the directions on the screen to name it and get it talking to your homes wifi. From there anytime you want to cast click the chromecast button on the screen and it will go to your TV with that device plugged in. You can have multiple chromecasts.

I have one hooked up to my stereo so I can stream music wireless from google play or pandora.

biosurfer1 · 12-22-2013, 02:27 PM

I have one...it's ok but like Schumi said, it could be so much more. Streaming from my desktop is worthless because it's so slow. I have not taken the time to set up my 5 ghz network so it might be better.

I just bought one of these Amazon.com : G-Box Midnight MX2 Android 4.2 Jelly Bean Dual Core XBMC Streaming Mini HTPC TV Box Player : Hd Dvd Players : Electronics and really looking forward to it.

The Chromecast was just as easy to set up as advertised, FYI